Delta 8’s popularity has led to many people asking “Delta-8: How long does it stay in your system?”
This budding cannabinoid is an isomer of Delta-9 THC. There are a few differences between the two, however, the main difference is the effect on your body.
In addition to the effects, another difference lies in the prevalence of each cannabinoid within the plant. There are many cannabis strains with copious amounts of Delta 9 THC. Delta 8, on the other hand, only naturally occurs in very low concentrations within the plant. Usually less than 1%.
Sound interesting?
There’s more!
If you are a cannabis user and partake in either of the aforementioned cannabinoids, then it is important to know how long you can expect these compounds to stay in your body.
Furthermore, there are a few factors that contribute to how long these compounds may stay with you…
Frequency of use, body weight, and potency all contribute to how long these cannabinoids stay in your system.
Let’s enjoy a nice stroll– I mean scroll, to learn more about Delta-8!
First Off, What is Delta 8?
Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring compound (also known as a cannabinoid) present in cannabis plants.
You can expect similar effects to Delta-9 or (marijuana) upon consumption, just a bit milder. D8 does not cause loss of motor function or severe drowsiness which too much D9 THC can definitely cause.
Additionally, Delta-8 doesn’t typically cause paranoia or anxiety– a common side effect of D9 THC.
A lot of people choose Delta-8 over Delta-9 THC because it is less overwhelming and an overall calmer experience.
In case you were unclear, Delta 9 THC is the famous cannabinoid that causes a strong ‘high.’
Delta-8 has been known to provide a more pleasant and euphoric experience.
Because D8 is found in such trace levels within the cannabis plant, most commercially available Delta-8 is made from CBD.
However, here at Chronic Guru, we use a more natural method of extraction and we are actually able to extract the D8 directly from the hemp plant. This is significant because most cannabis brands extract D8 from CBD isolate, not directly from the plant.
Too much science? Don’t worry, we won’t go into it too much here. If you are curious though, we go way more in-depth into how Delta 8 is made in this article.
Legality
In 2018, the federal government implements legislation that provides stability for farmers, ranchers, forest managers, and other stakeholders by supporting farming programs. These programs included aiding in disaster relief as well as enhancing programs that support the agriculture industry’s wellbeing.
Additionally, hemp was declassified as a controlled substance and removed from the illegal marijuana category. Hemp farming became more widespread throughout the country and hemp can now be grown as a commercial commodity.
This federal legality has been recognized by more than a dozen states. This allows for the purchase of CBD and subsequently, D8 products.
However, this can vary from one state to the next. Located in Florida? Check out this article that does a deep dive into Florida and D8 legality.
Effects of Delta 8
D8 effects can vary depending on the person. However, most people find them to be positive.
Delta-8 is slower acting than Delta 9 so it may take longer to experience the benefits.
This is a good thing though, as it can help you relax and slowly ease into a very peaceful state.
It’s almost as if you are taking a relaxing warm bath with lavender to soothe your mind, body, and soul. When sourced from credible sources, D8 is very safe and has many benefits.
Here are some things you can expect when taking Delta 8
- Relaxation
- Sleepiness
- Lifting emotions
- Mild euphoria
- Relief from discomfort
- Reduced stomach upset
- Sharp-mindedness
- Comfort – Feelings of security
- A better appetite
- Stress relief
Delta 8: How Long Does It Stay In Your System– Other Side Effects
While there are many benefits you can expect from delta 8, it is still a THC molecule. So, some adverse Delta 9 side effects may creep up.
Among these are:
- Dry Mouth
- Confusion
- Dry, red eyes
- Strong physical sedation or “couch-lock”
- Incoordination
However, the most common and arguably the worst side effect from Delta-9 is, paranoia and anxiety– this side effect is very rare when it comes to ingesting Delta 8.
What Impacts the Duration of D8 In Your System?
So you have asked yourself, when it comes to Delta 8: How Long Does It Stay In Your System?
Delta 8 can have effects lasting up to five hours. However, this doesn’t mean that it will be completely out of your system after that time. THC metabolites linger in your system when THC is inhaled or ingested sublingually.
There are many factors that affect how long D8 stays in your system. Your metabolism and body weight directly influence how D8 stays in your system. For example, D8 will disappear faster if you eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Although these factors are very important to consider when it comes to Delta-8 remaining in your system, there are a few other important things to note.
Delta 8: How Long Does It Stay In Your System?
It Depends On How Often You Consume Delta-8
Some experts suggest that if it is your first time consuming the cannabinoid, expect it to linger in your body for around 3-4 days.
For a regular consumer of D8, it could stay in your system for about a month or longer.
If you occasionally indulge in Delta 8 you can expect it to remain in your system for around a week or two.
Age
As we begin to age, our metabolic rate slows down. Doctors take this into account when they prescribe medication.
If someone is in their 20s and 30s, and it takes them three days to clear D8 from their system. It could take up to 6 days for the same amount to clear from someone in their 60s and 70s.
Additionally, there are plenty of older folks who are able to clear compounds from their system just as fast.
Consumption Method
As we mentioned before, Delta-8 can be consumed in a number of ways.
The method of delivery can affect the amount of time it stays in the system.
For example, THC that is smoked as opposed to ingested will clear out of someone’s system faster. This is because when ingesting edibles or partaking in other forms of oral ingestion, the chemicals have to pass through the digestive tract and are therefore broken down slower.
The following are a few ways one can enjoy Delta-8 as well as the amount of time should take for each product to hit your system.
- Edibles– When consuming edibles, the body has to go through a process of metabolization before you can feel any effects. Edibles typically have an onset time of about 30-90 minutes.
- Oils– Tinctures and oils can have a longer onset time if they are not ingested properly. However, if you ingest a sublingual oil the correct way, and let it sit under your tongue, it can hit you anywhere between 10-15 minutes. The effects will last around 4-5 hours and will generally peak around 1-2 hours.
- Delta-8 THC Carts– When it comes to vaping, the effects are felt very quickly, almost immediately. However, usually within about 5 minutes. The effects can last up to 5 hours, peaking between 30 minutes and two and ½ hrs.
- Capsules and Other D8 Products– Another great way to enjoy D8 is through capsules. Since they are a form of ingestion, as we mentioned before, it will take longer for the body to metabolize the cannabinoids. However, take note: ingestible products are usually very concentrated. So, when they hit, they hit hard.
Delta 8: How Long Does It Stay In Your System?
Metabolism and Genetics
Genetics and our metabolic rate play a huge role in how quickly substances like Delta-8 are cleared from our systems.
Our liver does a lot of the work when it comes to metabolization. We heavily rely on this strong little organ to metabolize almost everything that enters our body…that includes Delta-8!
Our liver uses an enzyme to break each substance down into inactive metabolites, depending on the structure of the substance. Our kidneys then do the noble work of removing these inactive metabolites from our bodies.
When it comes to Delta-8, the specific enzyme involved is called CYP3A4. Additionally, some people naturally have less than others. This means that someone who has a lower ratio of these enzymes will take longer to metabolize the compound than someone who has higher levels of this enzyme.
Dosage and Delta 8: How Long Does It Stay In Your System?
If you take a high dose of D8, it will take longer to leave your system. As a general rule of thumb, the higher amount of Delta-8 you take, the longer it will take for your body to metabolize it and break it down.
D8’s half-life is short, so increasing your dose will only affect the time that it stays in your body by a few more hours.
Supplements and Medication
The majority of medications and supplements we take are metabolized by our livers. Sometimes these medications can compete for the exact same set of enzymes. This can slow down the whole process…
As we mentioned, Delta 8 is primarily metabolized using the enzyme CYP3A4. This means that if other substances require the same enzyme, it will slow down the overall process even more so.
This enzyme is highly sought after. A lot of medications and supplements require this enzyme for metabolization.
So, it is important to be aware that if you are using supplements or medications that require this enzyme while simultaneously using D8, it will take longer to clear from your body.
Delta 8: How Long Does It Stay In Your System?
Is There A Way To Clear D8 From My System?
While there are a few easy detox methods, the easiest and most efficient way to clear Delta-8 from your system is to stop using it for about ten days.
If you are in a pinch and want to try and flush it out of your system quicker, here are a few methods.
#1 Drink Plenty of Water
This will help you to flush out the cannabinoids in your system through your urine as well as dilute the remaining THC metabolites lingering in your system.
#2 Make A Detox Drink
There are many ways to make a detox drink, however, one method goes as follows: roughly 20 oz fluid, a dose of creatine, b-vitamins, and a zinc supplement.
Another method is cranberry juice, as it flushes out your system pretty well. Also eating high fiber and high protein foods help to flush out your system. These methods may take longer and require more than a week to be fully effective.
There are THC Detox Drinks out there, do your own research and decide if that is a feasible option for you.
Drug Testing
The main reason why people are curious about how long Delta-8 THC lasts in our systems is because they may need to answer to a drug test. When it comes to blood, urine, and saliva tests, they aren’t testing for Delta 8 for the most part. Instead, they are testing for Delta 9.
However, it is important to note that Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC are very similar molecularly and the test will most likely appear to detect drugs in your system.
If you are actively being drug tested, we don’t recommend enjoying Delta-8 beforehand, unfortunately, you will most likely fail.
Interested in this topic? We wrote a whole article about Delta 8 and drug testing.
Delta 8: How Long Does It Stay In Your System?
Where To Buy
Delta 8 is a very popular cannabinoid and can be found almost anywhere online. A quick Google search is all you need to find out!
However, we’ll save you some time and tell you where the best Delta 8 products are sold.
Ready? Well, you’re already on the site! Chronic Guru is your one-stop shop for all things Delta-8!
Because of the huge boom that D8 has created in the cannabis industry, as well as the unregulated nature of the cannabis world, there are a lot of products out there with harmful chemicals.
The extraction method fro D8 is complex and should be done both safely and with care. Our extraction method is rare because we extract directly from the plant material, as opposed to other methods when the D8 is extracted from CBD isolate.
Natural extractions preserve the whole plant synergy and deliver cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytonutrients that contribute to a balanced and therapeutic experience.
Our products range from D8 flower to Delta-8 gummies, and tinctures.
Final Thoughts on Delta 8: How Long Does It Stay In Your System?
So, when it comes to how long Delta-8 stays in your system, there are obviously many factors to consider. It ranges from frequency of use, age, weight, as well as the method of consumption.
For the most part, no matter how much or how little you ingest or smoke, it stays in your system just the same.
Most of us know that different methods of consumption have different duration effects. However, the real question is, can different methods affect how long D8 stays in your body?
Yes.
We are all anatomically different, so no matter how you choose to indulge in D8, each body will process it differently. As we discussed, it doesn’t always depend on weight or age, there are many factors at play.
